Career comparison
Administrative Assistant vs. Administrative Services Manager
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Administrative services managers earn more at the median ($114,130 vs. $47,540), while administrative assistants usually get to work faster (Weeks to months of training). Administrative assistants keep offices organized: calendars, communication, documents and logistics. Administrative services managers run the support services that keep an office working.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Administrative Assistant | Administrative Services Manager | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $47,540 ($22.86/hr) | $114,130 ($54.87/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $33,280 – $66,350 | $67,100 – $207,720 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | -6.0% (a projected decline) | +5.2% (faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 163,900 | 22,000 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | Bachelor's degree |
| Training time | Weeks to months | Several years of experience |
| Key credential | CAP (IAAP) | Certified Administrative Professional |
| Work setting | Administrative assistants work in offices across every industry: schools, hospitals, law firms, government, construction companies and corporations. | Managers work in offices across every industry.. |
What each job does
Administrative Assistant
- Manage calendars and schedule meetings
- Answer phones, emails and visitors professionally
- Prepare documents, presentations and spreadsheets
- Organize physical and digital files and records
- Coordinate travel, events and meeting logistics
Administrative Services Manager
- Supervise administrative staff
- Manage records and documents
- Oversee mail and supplies
- Manage vendor contracts
- Set office policies
How they’re similar
Both careers involve working with people, desk work, steady routines, and teamwork. Both are part of the business & office field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose administrative assistant if…
- I’m highly organized and detail-oriented
- I like helping a team run smoothly
- I’m comfortable with computers and software
Choose administrative services manager if…
- I’m very organized
- I like solving everyday problems
- I enjoy managing people
Still torn? Take the Administrative Assistant fit quiz and the Administrative Services Manager fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, administrative assistant or administrative services manager?
Administrative Services Managers earn more at the median: $114,130 versus $47,540 for administrative assistants, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Administrative Assistants typically train faster (Weeks to months) than administrative services managers (Several years of experience).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects administrative services managers to grow +5.2% from 2025–35, compared with -6.0% for administrative assistants.